How to Keep Vanlife Pets Calm During Fireworks and Noisy Events
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Preparing Your Vanlife Pet for Fireworks and Noisy Events
This was part of a post I wrote for another website that was just about keeping pets safe from fireworks, but I thought I’d adapt it for advice for keeping your vanlife pets safe and happy during loud events you may be attending and any that would have fireworks too.
Whilst loud fireworks and loud events are great fun for some, for many of our pets they make it a very stressful experience. Some pets hate bangs, flashes and loud fireworks and may get very frightened during live, noisy events or bonfire night or July 4th, so we’ve put together some quick tips towards keeping your pets calm and safe during fireworks and loud and noisy events.
🔗 Related Link: For a more thorough guide to taking dogs away in a campervan or motorhome see our Vanlife With Dogs article.
Unlike a house, a van amplifies sound and vibration, making fireworks, festivals and unexpected loud noises especially overwhelming for pets. Dogs may pace, shake, bark or try to escape, while cats often hide or become unusually withdrawn. Understanding how noise affects pets in a small space is the first step to keeping them safe and calm.
Preparation is everything when it comes to protecting vanlife pets during fireworks. Parking farther from towns, beaches and event areas can dramatically reduce noise exposure. Inside the van, creating a cosy, familiar safe space with bedding, toys and comforting scents helps pets feel secure. Playing white noise or calming music can also mask sudden bangs and pops, reducing anxiety. For pets with known noise sensitivities, calming aids like anxiety wraps or veterinarian-approved supplements may provide extra support.
During fireworks or loud events, staying calm yourself matters more than you might think. Pets often mirror their owner’s stress, so maintaining a relaxed routine helps signal that everything is okay. Avoid scolding fearful behavior, and never force pets outside during noisy conditions. With thoughtful planning and a few calming strategies, vanlife with pets can remain safe and enjoyable.
Our tip list for keeping your vanlife pets calm and safe
- Keep your pets inside your campervan or motorhome.
- Closing the curtains/blinds can make things calmer.
- If you have a television or radio in your van, turning these up can help to drown the noise.
- Remember that fireworks can keep going off for days before and after November 5th and July 4th, so plan to stay in with your pets for longer than just the main night.
- Exercise your dog or other animals during the day. Never walk your dog while loud fireworks are being let off.
- Let your pet hide if it wants to take refuge under seats, furniture or in a corner. If they have their own space in the van already this will help.
- Make sure your pet is wearing a dog collar or cat collar and tag and is microchipped in case it bolts and becomes lost.
- Talk to your vet in advance about pheromone diffusers. These disperse calming chemicals into the room and may be a good option for your dog, in some cases your vet may even prescribe medication. If either of these options is used they should be used in conjunction with behavioural therapy.
- If your pet has a crate you could part cover it with blankets so help sound-proof and provide plenty of extra bedding to allow them to burrow and get cosy.
- DO NOT punish your pet for being scared or behaving erratically, it will only make them worse.
- My favourite calming product for our dogs is Nutripaw’s Calming Treats, although you do need to use for a min of 30 days. My favourite calming product for myself is Rescue Remedy, and they also do a dog version which you can buy here, but I haven’t yet tried it. Let me know if you do and you think it works 🙂
- Professional displays are usually shorter, more predictable and better managed than multiple private garden fireworks going off throughout the evening. If you’re are attending a display, make sure your dog is left safely at home in a calm environment.
Firework Code
I think it’s important to share the firework code here too, since we’re talking about fireworks…
- Do not buy fireworks from UNLICENCED retailers.
- These fireworks may be unsafe and illegal.
- Only buy fireworks that comply with current safety standards.
- Always keep fireworks in a closed box.
- Take them out one at a time and close the box.
- Never put fireworks in your pocket.
- Be considerate. Let your neighbours know you will be having a display, especially if they are elderly or they have pets or children.
- Avoid setting fireworks off late at night, particularly if it is a school-night.
- Ensure your pets are safe.
- Carefully follow the instructions on EACH firework.
- Never go back to a lit firework unless the instructions advise otherwise.
- Never throw fireworks; it is dangerous.
- Light fireworks one at a time, at the end of the fuse, and at arm’s length.
- Light sparklers one at a time and wear suitable gloves, even when lighting them.
- Never give sparklers to a child under the age of 5.
- Never throw spent fireworks on a bonfire.
- STAY SAFE, BE CONSIDERATE, AND DON’T BECOME A NUISANCE.
How to report anything untoward involving fireworks
If you see anything untoward involving fireworks please report it. Remember that Under section 1 of the Protection of Animals Act 1911, it is an offence to cause any unnecessary suffering to any domestic or captive animals. In the UK, the penalty on conviction is a fine of up to £5,000 or up to six months imprisonment, or both. Enforcement of this section of the Act rests with Trading Standards, the Police or the RSPCA as appropriate. For further advice, please visit the RSPCA’s website in the UK, or the Humane Society website in the USA.
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The Wander Station work with affiliate advertising programs to provide income for our site. This article may contain affiliate links. We participate in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com and Amazon.co.uk. Amazon and the Amazon logo are trademarks of Amazon.com, Inc. or its affiliates.
